The mine of the future is carbon-free, digitized and autonomous. In order to put together, a new world standard for sustainable mining at great depths, LKAB, Epiroc, ABB, Combitech and AB Volvo join forces in a partnership and launch a unique test bed in the Malm fields.
The test bed, SUM, Sustainable Underground Mining, will be located in LKAB's underground mines in Kiruna and Malmberget, as well as in a virtual mine. In the test facilities, new technology will be developed and tested in a real mining environment to ensure that the Swedish mining industry is also competitive in the future and can create jobs and growth, both locally in Norrbotten and nationally. New control systems, new and developed mining equipment are required, as well as complex and efficient management systems that meet the demands of the future for a sustainable industry.
To achieve this, a whole new type of cooperation is required, a digital ecosystem where the parties connect both digital systems and businesses.
- Sweden's mining and mineral industry compete to be the most sustainable throughout the world. Sustainability requirements and technology development are now developing rapidly, and Swedish players need to come together to ensure that we can conduct mining in a safe and sustainable way in the future. It is a good thing for Sweden's mine, "said Mikael Damberg, Minister for Industry and Innovation.
Unique cooperation
After 2030, LKAB will be ready to break iron ore deeper into the mines in Kiruna and Malmberget. This requires that decisions be made in the mid-2020s for one of Sweden's largest industrial investments ever.
In order to cope with the change of technology and reduce climate impact, Swedish industry companies LKAB, ABB, Epiroc, Combitech and AB Volvo come together to find solutions and set a new world standard for sustainable mining at large depths that would mean a real technological jump.
- LKAB has a long tradition of innovation and in order to ensure long-term competitiveness, we need to find new methods and smarter solutions for further breaking the world's best and cleanest iron ore deposits deeper into our underground mines. We are proud to launch one of the largest collaborative projects in Sweden today with leading players in the industry that contribute with expertise and technical resources. Together we will come up with the solution to tomorrow's sustainable mining industry, which is safe, carbon-free, digitized and autonomous, says Jan Moström, President and CEO LKAB.
- We are proud to be part of our cooperation with developing the world's most modern mining business. This is in line with our focus on autonomous and battery-powered products and solutions that increase the productivity and safety of the mines, "said Per Lindberg, President and CEO Epiroc.
